Best Southern American Restaurants in South Atlanta

96 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View restaurant

1. The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View

4.3

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 142 times today

At The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View in Downtown Atlanta, the Steak cuisine stands out as a true culinary delight. Perched 723 feet above the city, the restaurant offers a dining experience that is as visually stunning as it is delicious. The Steak, especially praised by diners, is noted for its exceptional quality. One guest raved, "The food was absolutely incredible," with another adding, "I had the steak...Delicious!" This sentiment is echoed by a diner who celebrated their anniversary at The Sun Dial, complimenting the "Top notch service" and the "Porterhouse from their brand new menu." The Sun Dial not only promises a feast for the eyes with breathtaking views but also a feast of flavors, making it a must-visit for Steak lovers in Atlanta.

2. Ray's in the City

4.6

Exceptional(6890)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 46 times today

Ray's in the City, nestled in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, epitomizes the essence of American cuisine with its exceptional seafood and prime steaks. Renowned for its "top tier food and impeccable service," this culinary haven ensures every visit is memorable, proven by glowing reviews like, "The food was fresh and seasoned to perfection!" and "The horseradish crusted grouper was to die for." Celebrate special occasions with their hand-crafted cocktails and award-winning wine list, while savoring dishes that keep patrons returning. Experience the authentic flavors and spirited ambiance of Ray's, a must-visit destination for genuine American dining in Atlanta.

3. Poor Calvin's

4.9

Exceptional(7649)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 39 times today

At Poor Calvin's in Downtown Atlanta, the Southern cuisine takes an innovative leap with an ingenious Asian twist that has diners consistently raving. This culinary gem stands out in the ATL for its unique East-meets-South fusion, where traditional Southern staples like sea bass and fried chicken are transformed with vibrant Thai spices and inventive flair. Praised as "probably the best restaurant I’ve ever been to" and a place where "everything I’ve gotten has always been yummy," Poor Calvin's crafts each dish with a level of creativity and quality that leaves an unforgettable impression. Whether it's the lobster fried rice or the Ube crème brûlée, every bite is a testament to the chef's dedication to excellence and innovation in Southern cooking.

A photo of Marcus Bar & Grille restaurant

4. Marcus Bar & Grille

4.5

Awesome(1244)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Old Fourth Ward

Booked 67 times today

Marcus Bar & Grille in Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward is not just a haven for elevated comfort food but also a standout destination for cocktail enthusiasts. The restaurant, imagined by the renowned Chef Marcus Samuelsson, offers a funky, vibrant atmosphere that complements its inventive drink menu. Guests rave about the cocktail offerings, often highlighting them as a key component of their exceptional dining experience. One happy diner exclaimed, "The drinks were on point!" while another emphasized the "fantastic cocktails" that enhanced their meal. The synergy of great food, attentive service, and expertly crafted cocktails makes Marcus Bar & Grille a must-visit for those seeking a top-notch Cocktail Bar experience in Atlanta.

A photo of By George - Atlanta restaurant

5. By George - Atlanta

4.6

Exceptional(804)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 16 times today

The Candler Hotel's restaurant, By George, is located on famed Peachtree Street and offers a Contemporary American menu and wine program for curious palettes-

A photo of AG, Modern Bar and Steakhouse restaurant

6. AG, Modern Bar and Steakhouse

4.6

Exceptional(1133)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 9 times today

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, AG, Modern Bar & Steakhouse at The Ritz-Carlton offers a stellar Southern dining experience that marries the warmth of Southern hospitality with modern culinary excellence. Patrons rave about the "perfectly cooked" steaks and the "mouthwatering" peach dessert, which is hailed as a "work of art." The restaurant's commitment to sustainable sourcing is evident in every dish, enhancing the quality and authenticity of the cuisine. With accolades like "best filet I’ve ever had" and "service was impeccable," AG is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic Southern meal in an elegant setting. This dining gem consistently impresses with its "exemplary" service and a menu that makes choosing a challenge because "everything was incredible." Celebrate your next special occasion at AG, where every meal is a testament to refined Southern dining.

7. Cuts Steakhouse

4.6

Exceptional(3573)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 18 times today

Cuts Steakhouse in Downtown Atlanta is a premier destination for authentic American cuisine, particularly celebrated for its exquisite steaks and southern-inspired dishes. The restaurant’s atmosphere is highly praised, with options to dine near a cozy fireplace or enjoy the bustling vibe of the bar. Patrons consistently laud the "perfectly cooked steaks" and the "southern fried lobster tail," highlighting the quality and authenticity of each meal. Reviews often emphasize the exceptional service; one guest mentioned, "The wait staff was excellent and the food was five star." Whether it's for a casual meal or a special celebration, Cuts Steakhouse offers an unforgettable dining experience with a touch of southern charm, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking the best of American cuisine in Atlanta.

8. Polaris

4.7

Exceptional(1769)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 11 times today

Polaris, Atlanta's iconic rotating rooftop restaurant, offers a breathtaking dining experience that epitomizes the essence of Contemporary American cuisine. Located in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, Polaris stands out not just for its stunning panoramic views, but for its culinary excellence. Celebrating over 50 years of memorable dining, it sources from over 70 local purveyors to ensure the freshest ingredients, complemented by honey from its own rooftop Bee Garden. Guests rave about the "mind-blowing food" and the "best steak ever," highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and innovation. Polaris is an unbeatable choice for a truly special and authentically American dining experience. As one guest encapsulated, "Everything about this experience was amazing."

A photo of McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - Atlanta (CNN Center) restaurant

9. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - Atlanta (CNN Center)

3.9

Excellent(4368)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 47 times today

Experience the heart of American cuisine at McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks, located in the vibrant downtown Atlanta, near the historical CNN Center. Renowned for its commitment to culinary excellence, the restaurant offers a tantalizing menu that includes fresh seafood from the Pacific Rim, Atlantic Ocean, and Gulf of Mexico, as well as prime steaks and locally sourced ingredients. Patrons rave about the "excellent food presentation and quality," and the Ahi Tuna and Bone-In Ribeye come highly recommended. With "great service" consistently mentioned, it’s no wonder that guests leave with memorable dining experiences, as one diner highlighted, "Heaven, our waitress for the evening, was phenomenal." Perfect for any occasion, McCormick & Schmick's is a must-visit for authentic American dining in Atlanta.

A photo of Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint restaurant

10. Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint

4.5

Awesome(2017)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 19 times today

Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint in downtown Atlanta is a beacon of Southern hospitality and cuisine. Nestled in the historic former Macy's building at 200 Peachtree St., this restaurant offers a perfect blend of lively entertainment and authentic Southern flavors that resonate with the spirit of the South. Patrons rave about the "delicious" and "elevated Southern dishes" like catfish and grits, and the fried chicken that keeps guests coming back for more. The ambiance, inspired by traditional juke joints, adds an extra layer of authenticity, making every visit memorable. Reviews consistently praise the "amazing food" and the vibrant live music, making it clear why this spot is a must-visit for a genuine taste of Southern culture.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

L
Lynda
New York City •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Our server Kash was amazing! Such a cool person! He was very attentive and knowledgeable. He offered great recommendations and made our first time here a wonderful experience.
More info
AG, Modern Bar and SteakhousePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
•
4.6
B
Brien
Atlanta Metro •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
This place truly exceeded my expectations! From the moment we stepped inside, we were enveloped in a welcoming vibe that buzzed with excitement. Our server was outstanding, making sure we had everything we needed. The food and drinks? Absolutely top-notch! The decor and atmosphere created a perfect backdrop for a memorable experience. Honestly, I can’t pinpoint a single downside. I can’t wait to return for another fantastic visit!
More info
Poor Calvin'sPrice: Expensive• Fusion / Eclectic• Downtown
•
4.9
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta Metro •1 review
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
Overall experience was good. We were seated quickly & greeted quickly. The music selections—hip hip & r&b—were on point & the music wasn’t so loud you couldn’t hear yourself think. My food was yummy (I had the seafood omelet), but friend’s food seemed as if it could have been seasoned better & perhaps a bit warmer. The hostess (Zeta) did an excellent job of “managing 1st impressions” & our server was friendly & relatively attentive, for the most part.
More info
Suite Food LoungePrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
•
4.5
V
Valda
Atlanta Metro •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Had a wonderful time. Great drinks. Enjoyed the chicken and waffles
More info
Sweet Georgia's Juke JointPrice: Moderate• Regional American (Southern)• Downtown
•
4.5
W
Willie
Atlanta Metro •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 12, 2024
Ambiance was good and our waitress was also very good. However the food didn't meet expectations. The warm crab dip was very good. However I ordered a NY Strip steak and it was par for a steak. Tasted like it wasn't seasoned at all and the broccoli has a burnt taste to it.
More info
Glenn's KitchenPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Downtown
•
4.3

Explore OpenTable

South Atlanta

Southern american

Best Southern American Restaurants in South Atlanta

Price

Regions

Neighbourhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

96 restaurants available nearby

1. The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View

2. Ray's in the City

3. Poor Calvin's

4. Marcus Bar & Grille

5. By George - Atlanta

6. AG, Modern Bar and Steakhouse

7. Cuts Steakhouse

8. Polaris

9. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - Atlanta (CNN Center)

10. Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable